Michael York

On Thursday, February 6, 2025, we experienced the heartbreaking loss of our beloved Michael, age 53. Michael suffered a hemorrhagic stroke on January 7 and, with optimal care, was slated to transfer to another facility for long-term acute care. This course of treatment was interrupted on January 31 when Michael had a sudden cardiac arrest. The consequences of both caused irreversible damage and ultimately his precious life. Michael was surrounded by friends, Aunt Christina, Uncle Sam, and his father, mother, and sister.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Michael was born on September 17, 1971, to Marcus and Diana York in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. When Michael was 1 1/2 years old, he and his family moved back to Sheridan, WY, where he lived for the remainder of his life.

Michael enjoyed a happy childhood, living across the street from his Grandpa and Grandma York and only a few blocks away from his grade school, Coffeen Elementary. He was raised in a Christian home and attended First Baptist Church with his family.

During these years, he played baseball and football, enjoyed needlepoint, rode a 3-wheeler, and most of all, loved riding his bike. He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1990 and, during his high school years, developed a love for the outdoors in the Big Horn Mountains. He especially reveled in motorcycling, 4-wheeling, and snow machining. Highlights from his mountain life included snowmobile trips with his grandpa and cabin family Christmases.

After high school, Michael moved to Bozeman, MT, where he worked various jobs, learned to ski and snowboard, and was introduced to fly-fishing—his greatest lifelong passion. Oh, by the way, he excelled academically and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Rumor has it he never bought a textbook—not one!

Upon graduation, Michael moved back home and got his first job in the gas industry as a roustabout. This position was the first of several that cemented his 25+ year career. His final position was field production supervisor for Wood US.

Michael was married to Kristine Harnish and later to Hidie Bland.

Michael not only loved fishing—including highly memorable trips to Alaska—but also loved sports. He was a diehard Detroit Lions and L.A. Dodgers fan, and enjoyed watching professional darts and NASCAR. He was also a fan of comedy, played the guitar, and gardened, specializing in herbs and vegetables. He was a great cook who loved sharing his creations with coworkers, friends, and family. He grilled to perfection and even made his own limited-edition rhubarb wine.

He filled his home and his heart with the loves of his life—his dogs: R.J., Fletcher, Gunner, and Vito.

Michael was a brilliant mind, a quick wit, had a colorful dialect, a wise sensibility, a tender heart, a loyal friend, a dog-lover, and was a little spitfire who will be forever missed and remembered.

Michael was a child of God.

Michael is survived and missed by his parents, Marcus and Diana York, his sister Marcella York, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is predeceased by his grandparents, Russell and Willa York and Hans and Dorothy Nilluka, as well as his uncles Joseph Wheatcroft and Gary Nilluka.

Join us in honoring Michael’s life:

First Baptist Church – 3179 Big Horn Ave., Sheridan, WY
Monday, February 17, at 11:00 AM

The family requests that all who attend dress casually in your favorite team apparel or sweatshirt.

Following the service, please join us for a celebration of life “tailgate” party at:

Elks Lodge – 45 W Brundage St., Sheridan, WY

A private family graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 18, at Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.